News

Community bus service in Yarm is extended

A COMMUNITY bus has been hailed such a success it is extending its service.

The Yarm Community bus, which runs every two weeks to take elderly and less mobile residents shopping, has agreed to take on extra passengers in nearby Kirklevington.

Stockton Borough Council cut its annual bus subsidy of £300,000 from this year’s budget.

However some bus services have, unexpectedly, been maintained, including The Leven Valley Coaches bus that travels from Port Clarence to Wolviston and then on to Billingham, as well as the service from Stillington, serving Bishopton Avenue Stockton and Carlton.

Yarm councillor Andrew Sherris has been helping to organise a community bus.

The bus currently picks up from The Meadowings, Willey Flatts and Layfield areas and takes residents to Aldi supermarket on the outskirts of Yarm.

Cllr Sherris said: “This has proved a very popular service and we have recently introduced it to Kirklevington. Although at present only running twice a month many of our elderly residents appreciate the chance to get out and socialise as well as shop for the Thursday specials.

"It’s very important that we identify any residents in our community who are isolated and feel remote. The bus ride is a friendly and social occasion with a great driver from Stockton Community Transport who even carries bags into homes and ensures the residents are safely inside.”

“I would ask anyone who is aware of any elderly residents who may need this help or indeed any other help, to contact me.”

Coun Sherris can be contacted on 01642-786767 or andrew.sherris@stockton.gov.uk